Panto review: Napoleon, un petit pantomime

Panto number two for me sees a trip to the West End’s hidden jewel just off Piccadily Circus, Jermyn Street Theatre, for Charles Court Opera’s annual party piece. This year, it is Napoleon – Un Petit Pantomime.

Who: Written by John Savournin and David Eaton, directed by John Savoirnin and Benji Sperring.

Where and when:

Jermyn Street Theatre, until 5 Jan 2025. Ticket link: https://www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk/show/napoleon-un-petit-pantomime/

Cast:

Elliot Broadfoot, Jennie Jacobs, Matthew Kellett, Amy J Payne, Rosie Strobel

Basic plot:

Napoleon, fresh from the battle of Trafalgar, seeks to steal a precious jewel from the Royal vaults.

Meanwhile, English king George III wants to prove he isn’t mad, and his daughter Georgina longs to be noticed.

The Duke of Wellington, a cunning ghost, and a severed hand all add to the plot on both sides of the channel.

Will the tiny emperor meet his Waterloo?

Characters and performances:

Napoleon (Kellett) is the nominated bad guy who gets the panto boos. A versatile comic performance that even includes a touch of drag and some physical dexterity.

George III (Broadfoot) is bonkers, lively, and confident, especially when flirting with Marie (Strobel), who is very funny with her facial expressions and overbearing manner.

Georgina (Payne) takes on a hidden persona that gives a chance for name play, impersonation, and pointed remarks on the place of women.

And the Duke (Jacobs) has a dream beyond going to war, which is delivered with charm.

Audience interaction:

Very good – it’s a small theatre, so callbacks are given with gusto, as are the boos and bits of singalongs.

There’s also a game that a couple of adult guests joined last night and seemed to enjoy.

Atmosphere:

Very good. Charles Court Opera have again pulled out the stops for their end of year party piece. Lots of laughter.

Music:

I loved this year’s choices, including a medley of songs using classic TV theme tunes and another based on Abba songs.

Most of the cast have worked on the company’s opera productions as well as musical theatre shows, so I expected top-tier vocals and wasn’t disappointed.

Technical:

The set is full of hidden joys that keep the show fast-paced and entertaining, and the theatre’s two doors are well-utilised.

Lighting and sound are excellent throughout but never flashy.

Cuteness factor:

There is a bit of puppet work for laughs at the start and in the second half.

Regional/contemporary relevance:

This is set in London and Paris in the 18th century, so there are some suggestions of both, but it is a minor aspect of the show.

Final verdict:

4*.

Another triumph for Charles Court Opera and Jermyn Street Theatre, who have delivered a small-scale show that is filled with bad puns and exaggerated people.

With no chance of being politically correct and mining comedy of the past like the Carry On films and Allo Allo, Napoleon – Un Petit Pantomime – is a definite guilty pleasure for the season.

There’s no danger of them ‘loos-ing’ their touch this year, so it’s time to ‘bag-uette’ a ticket!

Image credit: Alex Brenner